Meet the five candidates running in North Cowichan’s April 12 civic byelection

How long have you lived in the area, and what’s your connection to the community?

I’ve called the Cowichan Valley home for over 50 years and feel deeply connected to this wonderful community. My husband and I raised our children here, and now we love watching our grandchildren grow up in such a beautiful place. I grew up in Crofton and our family moved to a hobby farm in North Cowichan 17 years ago, where my love for this valley has only grown stronger.

What’s your current or past occupation?

I currently co-ordinate the Cowichan Valley Action Team (CAT), which focuses on supporting the community through the opioid and homelessness crisis. Before that, I spent 25 years as an Elementary School Secretary with School District 79 Cowichan Valley. After retiring in 2018, I took on the role of School Trustee.

Are you running as part of a slate?

No. I have no political affiliation or connections with existing councillors, which allows me to develop my own independent perspective and vote based on my personal convictions while representing the voices of the community.

What are your top three issues?

Affordable Housing: Housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those who can keep up with soaring prices. We must take action to ensure everyone — seniors, families, workers, and our most vulnerable — can afford to thrive in our community. How? Working with developers to build affordable and supportive housing, promoting co-op models, and offering rental incentives so that no one is forced out due to cost. 

Infrastructure: Our biggest challenge is infrastructure capacity. With over 10,000 proposed housing units but water and sewer systems for only 4,200, we need smart, strategic investment.
Expanding services responsibly, securing government funding, and ensuring
development aligns with essential services are crucial — we cannot afford to fall behind.

Taxes: We can’t keep asking residents to carry the financial load. Instead, we need to bring in
funding from other sources — securing provincial and federal grants, working with local
businesses, and planning growth in a way that makes sense for our community.
Finding new ways to generate revenue is key. 

Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

I am no stranger to politics, I’m ready to hit the ground running, I understand how to navigate governance effectively to get things done. As a former School Trustee and currently co-ordinator for the Cowichan Community Action Team, I’ve sat and still sit at decision-making tables, ensuring fair, transparent governance and responsible budgeting. My years as a CUPE union executive member and Treasurer gave me hands-on experience in managing budgets, negotiating agreements, and standing up
for people — skills that are crucial for making smart, balanced decisions that benefit our whole community.

What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

The old hospital presents a unique opportunity to address our community’s growing need for mental health and addiction services. It could be transformed into a comprehensive wellness center, offering everything from detox services to a rehabilitation treatment facility. A facility like this would provide stability, treatment, and ongoing support, ensuring that individuals struggling with mental health and addiction have the resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives. Repurposing the hospital in this way would be a smart, cost-effective solution to a critical issue, filling the gap in much-needed services and creating a lasting impact on our community. This could be realized by partnering with non-profit organizations that have a focus and experience in managing this type of facility.

Do you support expanding transportation options in North Cowichan?

The need for better transportation is clear, and the current strike has only made it more obvious. With our community so spread out, people without transportation struggle to access doctors, food, and other essentials. What is needed is a reliable, accessible transit system that works for more people — affordable, convenient, and designed to meet the needs of our community.

Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one at 610 Trunk Road?

Absolutely! The village model is a standout example of supportive housing that combines mental health and addiction services. This approach allows for rapid construction at a fraction of the cost of traditional buildings, meaning we can quickly provide housing for many individuals. An appealing aspect of this model is its flexibility — it can be implemented as small villages in communities like Crofton, Chemainus, North Cowichan, and beyond. One unexpected benefit of this housing model is its role in recovery. Once residents are settled and receiving essential care — food, shelter, and medical support — they are better positioned to focus on recovery. Many have even advanced to rehabilitation programs, highlighting the model’s effectiveness as a recovery tool.

Would you advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre in North Cowichan?

Our youth have been facing unprecedented mental health challenges in recent years. In 2023, Statistics Canada reported that 26 per cent of youth rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor.” A Youth Foundry — offering wrap-around care in a one-stop, welcoming, and accessible environment — ensures early intervention and comprehensive support. YES, I would be a strong advocate for establishing a Youth Foundry in North Cowichan.

For more information on Kemmler’s campaign, visit her website.

How long have you lived in the area, and what’s your connection to the community?

I grew up in Maple Bay. I have lived here most of my life and raised my family here. I am connected to many communities through participating in a wide variety of community initiatives over the years. I am stepping up and running for North Cowichan Council because I believe in working towards a more inclusive and thriving community with a commitment to reconciliation and the official community plan.

What’s your current or past occupation?

I am an Adult Basic Education Instructor and Student Success Advisor at the Cowichan Campus of Vancouver Island University. I am also an elected Vice-President of the Education Component of the BC General Employees’ Union. Previous to getting my teaching degree, I worked for our former MP, Jean Crowder. 

Are you running as part of a slate?

No.

What are your top three issues?

Affordability and working towards ensuring all North Cowichan residents have the housing they need. Sustainability, enhancing food security and supporting local business. Environment and economy, protecting our environment while fostering a strong economy that supports living wages.

Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

Yes. I have been volunteering at labour group events and activities, and all levels of government political campaigns since 2005. I currently sit as a volunteer on North Cowichan’s Sports Wall of Fame Committee and on the Parkside Society as a board member. In the past I sat on the Literacy Now Cowichan board.

What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

A full consultation process with North Cowichan residents to find out what they would like to see done with it. 

Do you support expanding transportation options in North Cowichan?

Yes, accessibility to services is important. I have seen how the current transit strike is impacting particularly vulnerable populations, including seniors and students, who rely on public transportation.

Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one at 610 Trunk Road?

Yes, this development has been successful in providing support and shelter for folks to get off the street.

Would you advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre in North Cowichan?

Yes, I would. More mental health support and services are needed for youth in the valley. 

For more information on Lord’s campaign, visit her website.

How long have you lived in the area, and what’s your connection to the community?

I have lived in the Cowichan Valley Regional District area for the last seven months. My wife and I purchased a home in the regional district. I do a lot of business in town and I have some friends in the area who are business owners. I want to help with the implementation of the community plan and increase communication between council, staff and the community. 

What’s your current or past occupation?

In the past I have worked as a campus director for two years, I have 10 years of experience as a college instructor, I have worked as a network administrator and a computer technician. I was part of the CUPE 1858 executive which is similar to the role of a councillor. Where I was responsible for voting on legislation and bringing motions before the executive. I am currently working as a customer service agent for a work-from-home call centre. 

Are you running as part of a slate?

No.

What are your top three issues?

Help come up with strategies to bring more businesses to North Cowichan to create more jobs. Look at ways to bring more food banks and drug rehabilitation programs to North Cowichan. Continue working with the OCP and help the community achieve the objectives of the OCP.

Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

I was part of the CUPE 1858 executive which is similar to the role of a councillor. Where I was responsible for voting on legislation and bringing motions before the executive.

What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

I would like to see the hospital turned into an urgent and primary care centre on the main floor, in addition I would like to see the rest of it turned into a seniors home, or affordable housing for low-income [people] and people with disabilities.

Do you support expanding transportation options in North Cowichan?

I do support the expanding of transportation options in North Cowichan especially when it comes to increasing the frequency of service and the hours available in the transit budget. I would also like to see North Cowichan and the regional district put pressure on Nanaimo to expand its service from Deep Bay to Fanny Bay, if this is done then we will have a complete bus line through BC Transit which goes all the way from Victoria as far as Campbell River.  

Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one at 610 Trunk Road?

[Candidate did not respond]

Would you advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre in North Cowichan?

Yes, I would advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre. Services like this are needed to help get youth on the right path in terms of finding jobs and making education connections. I would also look at ways that we could get funding for this project, I would go as far as reaching out to the provincial and federal government. I would also look at ways that we could also raise funding for this project as a municipality.

For more information about Farmere’s campaign, visit his website.

How long have you lived in the area, and what’s your connection to the community?

I have lived in the valley for over 60 years, the last 25 in North Cowichan.

What’s your current or past occupation?

I am now retired but spent most of my working life as a teacher/administrator for the Cowichan Valley School District, 37 years in total. I currently have a small part-time job delivering groceries for Save-On-Foods. It is a much-appreciated service and I enjoy meeting many of the valley residents. The job has given me an in-depth perspective on what is actually happening throughout Cowichan. Many folks are in a bad way. 

Are you running as part of a slate?

I am running as an independent, middle-of-the-road candidate. I have no desire to be part of a slate, faction, or organization. I wish to be free to vote on issues as they arise, and not feel obligated to any particular group. Similarly, I am not soliciting campaign funds.

What are your top three issues?

Housing, housing, and housing. We have over 400 unhoused in the Valley. Mental health issues and drug addiction will not be solved on the streets. Rising property taxes. For those of us on fixed incomes, the strain is becoming huge. We need to create revenue streams to ease the burden and help with infrastructure maintenance and replacement. Truly affordable housing for low- to middle-income earners.

Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

I was on the board of Literacy Now Cowichan for 10 years, two as vice-chair. I was on the original organizing committee for Coldest Night of the Year, the yearly walk/fundraiser for at-risk youth. I also sat on the board of the South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club for six years, two as president. As an educator, I spent hundreds of volunteer hours coaching every sport at all levels.

What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

Anything except tear it down. It could be used for a myriad of things; temporary or long-term shelter with supports, a rehabilitation centre, a permanent ER site, etc. 

Do you support expanding transportation options in North Cowichan?

Yes, as the current services begin to work to capacity. Cars off the road is always a good thing.

Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one at 610 Trunk Road?

Yes, with qualifications. What about the folks on the street who don’t qualify for the village?

Would you advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre in North Cowichan?

This is the first time I have come across the concept, but it seems like a positive service. I would need to investigate further.

For more information on Bellis’s campaign, visit his campaign website.

How long have you lived in the area, and what’s your connection to the community?

I was born and raised in the valley and also raised our three boys here. 

What’s your current or past occupation?

I am a co-owner of Mint Hair, we have been in operation for 18 years. I also work behind the chair as a stylist. 

Are you running as part of a slate?

No I’m running independently 

What are your top three issues?

Street safety, housing, property taxes.

Do you have previous public service experience or experience volunteering with community groups?

I have years of volunteer experience managing Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey teams and sat on the Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association board for a season. Currently I sit on the Purica Foundation board, a non-profit organization raising funds for much-needed non-profit organizations. We support Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Healthiest Babies Possible, Stuff the Truck, Nourish Cowichan, local schools and our maternity ward.

What would you like to see done with the old Cowichan District Hospital land and building?

Ideally I would like to see it used for mental health and treatment. 

Do you support expanding transportation options in North Cowichan?

We need to look at all options of transportation.

Would you support plans to build another village-style housing development in North Cowichan that is similar to the one at 610 Trunk Road?

I would support this but I would like to hear community output before making the final decision.

Would you advocate for constructing a Youth Foundry Centre in North Cowichan?

I am in full support of this.

For more information on Hogg’s campaign, visit her website.